A tourist was injured when she was attacked by a mugger who tried to snatch her handbag.

The 48-year-old American victim was targeted as she was getting on a shuttle bus outside the Fairmont Southampton Princess, in Middle Road, Southampton, on Wednesday, at 11.10 p.m.

Police say the offender grabbed her bag as he went past on his motorcycle.

A struggle ensued, and the woman fell to the ground, sustaining an injury to her right big toe and an abrasion to her shin.

A nearby member of the public came to the victim's aid and attempted to detain the offender.

However, the offender ran away empty-handed. Officers seized and impounded his vehicle.

The mugger is described as black, of slim build and wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt.

Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information to telephone Somerset Criminal Investigation Unit on 234-1010.